Joanna Lumley will return as host of the British Academy film awards on February 10.
“We’re thrilled that Joanna has agreed to return as our host for a second year,” said Emma Baehr, Bafta’s director of awards. “She was fantastic and we’re looking forward to the ceremony with her once again at the helm.”
The TV presenter and star of ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ took over last year from Stephen Fry, though her turn at the podium was met with mixed reviews. Although the choice of a female host was applauded, many felt the script and jokes could have done with more polish.
The Bafta rising star nominations are announced on January 3, with the full nominations disclosed on 9 January. The Golden Globe awards — hosted by Sandra Oh and Adam Samberg — take place on January 6.
It is yet to be announced who will host the Oscars ceremony — which takes place two weeks after the Baftas — following the departure of Kevin Hart after his history of homophobic remarks came to light.
There has been speculation that the organisers of the Academy Awards may dispense with a single emcee entirely this year, instead opting for “a bunch of huge celebs, something SNL style, and buzzy people”.
